A field work report on newly discovered and documented megalithic jar sites in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic

A recent field survey in Xiengkhuang Province, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR), has significantly expanded the known inventory of megalithic jar sites. The 2020 research by the Plain of Jars Archaeological Research Project identified 27 previously undocumented sites, increasing the total from 102 to 127, with 124 now geo-located. This discovery enriches our understanding of the region's vast megalithic landscape, characterized by large stone jars, discs, and imported boulders positioned on elevated terrain. The study also provides a preliminary analysis of jar site distribution and characteristics, laying groundwork for deeper investigations into these ancient sites.

Skopal, N., Bounxaythip, S., O’Reilly, D., Shewan, L., Luangkhoth, T., & Van Den Bergh, J. (2023). A field work report on newly discovered and documented megalithic jar sites in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Asian Archaeology, 7(2), 221–233. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41826-023-00071-7